Introduction of Japan Disaster Medical Assistant Team as a National Emergency Medical Team

Abstract

Background/Introduction:

Japan is a country with many disasters. Japan’s disaster medical system has improved significantly over the past 30 years by gaining experience in various disasters. Japan is implementing one of the unique disaster medical teams raised from experience and needs.

Objectives:

Introducing the Japan Disaster Medical Assistance Team (DMAT) system and discussing how the domestic disaster medical team should be.

Method/Description:

Referring to the actual response to domestic disasters and the development of disaster medical teams in Japan.

Results/Outcomes:

The National Emergency Medical Teams (National-EMT), Japan DMAT, was established in 2005. Currently, DMAT is 1,754 teams and over 15,862 members were registered. The team usually consists of five to six personnel, including two doctors, two nurses, and two logisticians. Each team carries standardized equipment. Japan DMAT will not set up a field hospital in the disaster area. Japan DMAT will bring a team to the Disaster Base Hospitals (DBHs) and start supporting the affected hospital operation first. Then, if there are other affected patients within DBH’s medical jurisdiction, then the team will mobile and support each hospital and clinic for further medical assistance.

Conclusion:

Having National-EMT in your own country is necessary for disaster-prone countries. Still, it is also required to consider what type of EMT needs to be established, referring already existing emergency medical system of your country.